Pressley planning for talks with Southern

Fleetwood boss Steven Pressley says he will sit down with forgotten man Keith Southern but has given no assurances that the experienced midfielder has a future at Highbury.

Southern was frozen out under previous manager Graham Alexander, having struggled to break into the Fleetwood side.

Last season the 34-year-old former Seasider, who hasn’t played for Town for almost a year, took to social media to let fans know he was fit and available for selection – a move which didn’t go down well with the management.

He has since struggled with a series of injuries, recently undergoing rehabilitation sessions at the FA’s St George’s Park complex in Staffordshire, and according to new boss Pressley he is still some way off match fitness.

But with limited resources at his disposal, Pressley is keen to open talks with Southern to find out how the pair can help each other.

“He’s not fit at this moment in time. He’s had real troubles with injuries,” explained Pressley.

“As yet he’s not recovered from them. It’s something that needs to be decided.

“I think that in the coming weeks Keith is a player I’ll need to have a discussion about on his future.

“I need to know what he’s thinking about his future.

“We need to know how we can help each other moving forward. I think that’s really important.”

Pressley revealed the pair had enjoyed a recent chance encounter away from the world of football and admitted he has respect for the former Premier League midfielder.

“He’s an experienced player, who has had an exellent career,” said Pressley.

“Actually I saw him on holiday. We were staying at the same hotel. I have a lot of respect for him as a player.